Surveying and reconnaissance instrument.



No. 707,l6l. Patented Aug. l9, r902.

J. 0. $1M. SURVEYING AND BEGONNAISSANCE INSTRUMENT.

(Application filed May 20, 1902.)

' 4N0 Model.) 2 Sheets'-Sheet I.

No. 70mm. Patenfed Aug. I9, I902.

v J. c. SALA. I

SURVEYING AND REGDNNAISSANGE INSTRUMENT.

(Application filed May 20, 1902.)

{No Model.) ZShats-Sheat z.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

JOSEPH o. sALA, or sAiv FRANCISCO, oAhIroRNIA.

iSURVEYING AND RECONNAISSANCE INSTRUMENT.

SPECIFICATION formingpart of Letters 1 mm No. 707,161, dated August 19, 1902.

Application filed May 20, 1902.

To all whom it mcty concern.-

Be it known that I, J OSEPH O. SALA, a citizen of the United States, residingat San Francisco, in the county of San Francisco and State of California, have invented certain new and useful Improvements 'in Surveying and Reconnaissance Instruments,of which the following is a specification.

My invention has relation to improvementsin surveyingand reconnaissanceinstruments; and the objects are, first, to aggroup in a single instrument the parts and elements requisite for ascertaininglevels, altitudes, inclinations, distances, and direction; second, to put in the possession of civil and mining engineers or other persons an instrument of the kind named and for the purposes intended embodied in a compact form whereby the op erator is enabled to ascertain levels or verti-. cals, determine horizontaland vertical angles, and readily and conveniently without assistance record true bearings and inclinationsin fact, to make with this instrument all observations essential and arising in preliminary surveys, and especially in expert examination of mines. N0 tripod or other support is necessary in operating the instrument.

' I am aware that there are instruments in the art to which my invention pertains, known as the prismatic compass and the pockettransit, which are utilized for the purpose of ascertaining magnetic bearings and vertical angles. So far as I am aware, however, the prismatic compass is the only hand instrument in the prior art permitting simultaneously sighting and recording of horizontal angles; yet thatinstrument will permit reading of angles lyingbut a few degrees above or below the level line. In the pocket-transit instrument horizontal angles cannot be simultaneously sighted and read. However, the operator can at the same time read and sight when observing vertical an'gles,although the field included is so limited that it is only practicable when the point to be sighted is a luminousv one, .as a candle in a tunnel or shaft.

In perfecting my invention I have sought to obviate the limitations of the foregoingdescribed well-knowninstruments and have added to and extended the utility, so that level.

Serial No. 103,239. (No model.)

true bearings can be taken, and the variations east or west can be set 0% to one-quarter of a degree, thus'obviating the necessity of adding .or deducting the variation to or from the magnetic (north') bearing, and the magnetic needle can be held fixed by a locking device of particular construction.

With the foregoing objects in view the invention consists in the novel construction of parts and their arrangement. and aggroupment in operative combination, as will be hereinafter fully described and particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed.

' I have fully and clearly illustrated my improvements in the accompanying drawings, forming a part of this specification, and

wherein Figure 1 is a top plan view of the instrument case or box, showing the compass and the sight-holes of the'clinometer and gravitating diskandthe sight standards being turned down. Fig. 2 is a perspectiveview of the case or box, showing the relative arrangement and position'of the parts and the sightstandards turned to vertical position. Fig. 3 is a plan view of the bottom of the casing, showing the quadrantrrecess wherein the vern'ier'is hung and also showing the limb, also showin g the slots with sight-threads. Fig. 4 is a side edgeview of the case, showing'the graduated scale and peep-hole .to the spirit- Fig. 5 is an end View of the case, showing the peep-hole through which observation may be had of the spirit-level located within the case at the end. Fig. 6 is an enlarged plan view of the clinometer-disk. Fig. 7 is a rear view of the clinometer-disk,showi ng the gravitating weightfixedthereto. Fig. Sis adetail view of the reflecting spirit-level and Vernierarm c onnectedtogether.

Referring to the drawings, A designates the .case or box, made of such dimensions and capacity as to provide room for the elements mounted'and operatively arranged therein.

The ,oaseis composed of some suitablenonconducting metal and is usually made about six and one-half inches. in length and three and a half inches wide and three-fourths of an inch in depth,-the whole being planed absolutely true and squared. In the case is arranged a rigidly-fixed partition 1, extending the length of the case and for the depth there- -IOO of. This partition divides the case into two compartments, a larger one 2 and a smaller one 3. A cover 4. is provided to close the larger compartment and is made of the same material as that composing the box generally. In the cover 4 is a circular opening 5, wherein is secured the glass 6, covering the compasshox,and also having a reading-glass 7,through which the designations of the clinometer may be ascertained. In the long side of the case opposite to the smaller compartment,adjacent to the inner face thereof, is mounted a spiritlevel 8, the position of the bubble being observable through an elongated slot 9, made through the side of the casing. This appliance is mounted on the pivot-pin of the vernier and is utilized when the instrument is used as a level. By laying the case on a surface on the side opposite to the spirit-level the position of the bulb will indicate the condition of horizontality. The spirit-level also acts in the same manner when the Vernier is brought into requisition. In the end of the casing farthest from the compass is secured a spirit-level 10, the position of the bubble being visible through a slot 11 in the end of the casing. This appliance is useful when the instrument is used as a plumb.

In the smaller chamber or compartment 3 are arranged and secured two transverselydisposed partitions 12 13, which brace and sustain the outer wall or side of the casing and divide the compartment into three chambers or apartments. In the end pieces of the compartment 3 and partitions 12 and 13 are formed sight-holes 1 1 15 16 17, diminishing in area and diameter proportionately as to a cone of light conditioned at 14C by the objectaperture of one-half inch by one-quarterinch and at 17 by the eye-aperture of one sixtyfourth of an inch, thus giving a sight without a parallax.

On the bottom of the compartment 3, between the partitions 12 and 13, is suitably secured a small mirror-prism 18, arranged in such position that the half of the bubble in the spirit-level Sis seen reflected in the prism in the center of the line of sight whenever the instrument is in a horizontal position. The rays from the bubble reach the prism through a slot 1 9 in the partition-wall between the compartments 2 and 3.

Across the aperture 14 are stretched three parallel wires or hairs 20 20 20 the center one of which, 20, indicates horizontality when bisecting. the reflected bubble in the prism-mirror. The upper and lower wires or hairs are placed at such distances from the center or middle wire that at a distance of one hundred feet from the wires the eye will observe one foot on any rod held perpendicular or at right angles to the line of sight. This expedient in the use of the reflected bubble in the prism with the line of sight and central wire converts the instrumentintoaperfect hand level, while the addition of the stadia-wires allow the calculation and close approximation of distance.

The mirror-prism, positioned between the transverse partitions in the compartment 3, is protected by the bottom of the compartment and the sight-standards when turned down on the case.

21 22 designate the sight-standards, suitably hinged to-the respective end Walls of the compartment 3, which when turned down flat overthe compartment close the same and lie coincidently and in alinement with the face of the top of the casing. The sight-standard 21 is an ordinary compass-sight standard, except as to its hinged connection, and is formed with a comparatively wide slot, having stretched therein a wire or hair 23 for a wellknown purpose. The sight bar or standard 22 is formed with a fine slot 24 in its back plate and has secured to its inner face 21. mirror 25, on the back of which, in alinement and coincident with the slot in the standard, the silvering is removed at intervals and the surfaces of the glass at the exposed line at intervals blackened, as at 26, so as to provide adistinct broken line through the sight-slot and the mirror, permitting the sights to be readily made through the standard-slot and the mirror, one object or use being to use that line thus produced on the mirror in connection with the Wire or hair 23 in the sight-slot of the standard 21 to take horizontal or vertical angles by the reflection with the accuracy obtained when three points appear in perfect alinement. To obtain perpendicular sights, which is sometims necessary in work in mines, a wire 27 is stretched lengthwise in the apartment at the end of the compartment 3, between the partition 13 and the end Wall of the compartment. This wire 27 lies on a plane in alinement with the wire 23 of the sight-standard and the slot and line on the back of the mirror.

The bottom of the compartment 3 is provided with narrow slots 23, so as to provide against the exclusion of light in some uses of the instrument and to afford protection to the wires from contact with the fingers while raising the sight-standards.

In the large compartment 2 of the casing, at or adjacent to one end thereof, is mounted the compass 29, on the face of which is indicated graduations 30 of the possible variations of the needle to the extent of twenty-five degrees in opposite directions from a true zeroline. Afterthevariationhasbeenascertained and set OK on the compass the graduated ring of the compass is secured in place by a screw provided with a stop. To set off the variation on the compass, release the screw t and hold the instrument in both hands, the dial-face of the compass being on top. Then with the thumbs pressed lightly on the glass cover of the compass-box the variation-disk can be carried around on its axis to the left when Eastern variation is required and to the IIO right when Western variation is indicated 'A locking-lever is arranged under the bottom gravitatin g Weight 32, which under ordinary conditions carries and holds the disks with the zero-line plumb. When taking vertical angles, the clinometer-disk is retained in place to which moved by a spring 33, having on its free end a shoe 3 i,which bearsagainst the perimetral edge of the disk. A finger-stud 35, se-

cured to the head of thespring and projecting through a slot 36 in the cover of the case',is used to draw the shoe 34 from contact with the edge. of" the disk. The records of the clinometer can be obtained by sighting either through. the level sights, the open sights of the stand-1 ards, or by applying the side of the casing to a slope or inclined surface.

' secured inthe floor of thedepression.

In the bottom face of the case is formed a. quadrant-shaped depression 37, in which isv pivotallyhung a vernier 38, the scale of which moves concentric with the graduated limb 39, This appliance is vusedinconnect'ion with thecasev to ascertain the variationsin the directions:

of altitudes.

Because the instrument is applicable to the ascertainment of inclinations,diiference in. direction from a meridian, measurement of distances and altitudes, and ascertainment of a true'north line it becomesnecessary that these several functions be briefly rehearsed and described.

The true north meridian having been ascertained or furnished,-the compass'is set on this line so that the north and south line of the compass-box coincides with this meridian and the limb of the compass-box. is moved until the zero-line is exactly opposite the north end of the needle and the variation of the 7 place is set ofi. The variation of the needle to the east or west of the meridian will indicateto the observerwhether the variation'is tothe east or to the West. The instrument is now in condition for accurate surveying or reconnaissance work. Level, plmnb,and square.lt is readily percei'ved that by laying the instrument on itsedge on a horizontal plane the horizontality is indicated by thebubb'leof the spirit-level located in the upper edge or side of the box and that by setting the-side edge of the box against'avertical surface the position of the bubble in the spirit-levelin the end of the box will show whether the object is plumb.

- Hand-ZeoeZ.-If the case be placed with the sight edge down and the eye placed adjacent to the small peep-hole in the-end ofthe box the observer can distinguish the three wires lying across the aperture inthe opposite end of the case. The middle one of these wires is placed in such position that when the box is level thereflected-bubblewill be shown bisectedrby the line simultaneously with theobject in line of sight, and therefore the level 7 5 be thus ascertained.

C Zinometer andoertical angleai-Tia use the I instrument as a c1inomete'r,hold-it vertical on its edge. Then look throughthesmall eyesight, paying no attention to thereflected hub ble in the prism. Bisect-the object with the center wire of the object-sightinthe otherend of the small compartment. When alinement f is determined, release the clinometer and thenpermit the spring to return into contact and 8 5 then read off the angle on-the clinometer-disk.

Should the incline or dip of avein or ledge bedesired, the instrument vis placed-on its side-on the ledge or applied to atightlystretched Wire or to a straight-edge laid on 0 the ledge and then; proceed in accordance with the directions above stated. 7

" It may be that by reason of defective light or other causes a large field is desirable. 'In such instance the instrument is-held flat with thesight-standards erect. Then sight through the slit in the shorter-standard and bisect the 4 wire of the longer sightwith the object and release for a moment the clinome'ter-disk and read the recorded angle.

Bearings and "horizontal cmgZes.It has been stated in the purview of the specification that the variation of the needle can be set 0E .and the method of attaining ,this ,re--

quiredinformation particularly specified It istherefore evident that the bearings taken 'by the instrument must be true and correct. Hence to take horizontal angles, whether they be intended for bearing or otherwise,--hold the instrument with the sight-standardserect, reno lease the needle, alinethe object by the sights, Then clamp the needle and read'the record indicated.- Onlyhorizontal angles of some fifteen degrees belowthe. level line. orabout sixty-five degrees above c'an'be-taken-in this way. In case a'g'reater angle above the level line hasto bedetermined holdthe inlstru men t level with the'front sight 'erect. 'Move the reflectin'g-sight'to incline outward untilthe eye comes vdirectlyabovethe sight and the image of l'JlIGDbjGCUlS-thIOWII on the mirror bisected by the'wire 'of the object-sight and the line on the mirror and then readfthe' bear-1n g;

Sometimesin mine-surveyingit is necessary 1 25 '1 to establish the location 'of'apointat-the bottom of a shaft or incli-ne,:.which; point is illuminated for visualobservation. ,In such instance the case is held with the compass side up. Then the long sight-standard is closed and the short sight-standard turned down or lifted up until it assumes an acute angle with the plane of the case. Then by bending the head forward and downward the luminous point may be seen reflected in the mirror. Then move the instrument until the image is bisected by the wire in the slot in the small compartment and record the bearing. The wire attached lengthwise in the apartment of the compartment 3, in connection with the reflecting-sight, will admit of alining a point directly vertical below the operator.

Siadict distances.To closely approximate distances, the instrument is held in the hands fiat and same as for takingvertical angles. Then by sighting through the small peep-hole in the end of the casing the wires in the opposite end of the casing will be observed. These wires have been so placed and adjusted that on a rod divided into feet being placed at a point fifty feet from the instrument the space of two feet will be disclosed. At twentyfive feet a space of one foot, and at one hundred feet a space of four feet, will be-visible on the rod.

In order that the operator may point off by stadia or other measurements, a scale of proper gradations is engraved on the side of the instrument, as shown in the drawings.

The aZidade.-The instrument is adapted for laying off or platting an irregular piece of land, and this may be accomplished with but small error in the following-described manner: Preliminary to operating the following-named adjustments are provided: a square piece of board mounted on suitable supports and covered with drawing-paper and also any proper plumb-line and bob. After the table has been set over the startingpoint level it with the instrument and then layit fiat on the table. Open the sights and operate the same as with any other alidade of a plane table. After recording the bearings take by stadia measurement the length of the line and point it oif on the scale. Hence by means of the hand-level the depressions and elevations on the line can be ascertained and record made. By carefully repeating these operations the result will be a topographical plat.

Gradieuier.1t is often necessary to lay 0d a chute or a ditch, and for this purpose the instrument is well adapted. As heretofore specified, the gradienter consists of a spiritlevel rigidly fixed to an arm or rod which terminates in a Vernier. The point where the Vernier-rod is attached to the level serves as a pivot, so that the level can be brought into a position making any desired angle with the horizontal or with the vertical within the limits of the arc in which the Vernier moves. Now knowing the grade which it is desired to lay out look at the table indicated on the side of the gradienter depression in the bottom of the case and take the corresponding angle to the ratio determined on. Set that angle off on the gradienter limit and clamp the arm in place. Now look through peephole and raise or lower the instrument until the central wire in the object end of the instrument bisects the depressed bubble. The point in the field, which will also be bisected by the line of sight, is one of the points on the line of grade sought for.

Having described my invention, what I claim is- 1. In a surveying and reconnaissance instrument, a compartment extending length- 'stadia measurements.

3. In a surveying and reconnaissance instrument, a compartment extending the length of theinstrument having end walls and intermediate transverse partitions, said end walls and partitions being provided with sight-apertures increasing in area from the eye-sight to the object-sight, wires across the object-aperture adjusted to determine stadia measurements, and a spirit-level so arranged that the rays therefrom reflected will bisect the line of sight, and a prism-mirror to reflect the position of the bubble.

4. In a surveying and reconnaissance instrument, a compartment extending the length of the instrument,having end walls and intermediate transverse partitions, said end walls and partitions being provided with sight-apertures increasing in area from the eye-sight to the object-sight, wires across the obj ect-apertu re, sight-standards hinged to the end walls of the compartment having longitudinal slits therein, a mirror in the eye-sight standard having its backing removed in alinement with the slit in the sight, and a wire in the sight end of the compartment, substantially as and for the purposes specified.

5. In a surveying and reconnaissance instrument, a rectangular casing, a compass secured therein, an eye-sight standard, hinged to the casing, formed with a sight-slit, a mirror on the inside of the standard having the backing removed at determined distances in alinement with the sight-slit, an object-sight standard hinged to the other end of the easing and formed with a slot, and a wire stretched lengthwise in the slot.

6. In a surveying and reconnaissance instrument, a rectangular casing, a compartment in the casing, transverse partitions in the compartment, the end walls of the com- IIO partmentand the partitions being provided In testimony whereof I affix my signature with alining sight-apertures, a Vernier pivin presence of two witnesses. otally mounted, and a spirit-level mounted to turn with the pivot of the Vernier, whereby 5 the level is brought into a position making Witnesses:

any desired angle with the horizontal within A. BARION, the limits of the prescribed are. e P. H. SONNTAG.

JOSEPH oQsALA. 

